Swept Up In You: A Coastal Sapphic Rom-Com

by Rian Birch

A light-hearted sapphic rom-com with witty banter and all round good feels.
Samantha Garner dreams of sailing away. If only her family business didn’t have her completely anchored down. A conversation has her plotting new paths that may just get her out to sea, if she can avoid hurting the people she loves most.

Taylor Scott knows what she wants. To build up her maintenance business, forget about her ex, and to not—definitely not—get into another relationship. Discovering a new boat shop by accident lands her a client she didn’t expect and can’t take her eyes off.

As their friendship grows, a games night leads to a spark they can’t ignore. While Sam questions everything she knows, Taylor must decide whether to keep her heart safe… or dive into the unknown.

Will they find common ground and sail off into the sunset, or will their relationship sink to the bottom before it even begins?

Swept Up In You is a fun and spicy coastal romance that will have you laughing, crying and craving puppy cuddles. Perfect for fans of Ashley Herring Blake and low angst romance, who love a splash of emotional growth with their happily ever after.

"Five Stars!! Rian does a fantastic job in Swept Up In You of making you laugh until there are happy tears, moments your heart will hurt, and the spice is just right." ~ Beta Reader

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, LGBT, Audiobook, Lesbian Romance

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2025

About the author

Rian Birch writes fun, contemporary sapphic romance. She lives in Adelaide with her wife where she likes to potter in her backyard food forest and cycle to new cafes around the city. Every one of her childhood stories ended with her characters coming home and having a cup of tea. She promises to write new endings for her adult novels.

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

**'It's always good to get rid of useless, futile and even nonsensical wordings, sentences, paragraphs and chapters that does not fit the final draft of your story. Readers analyzes even if you as a writer don't believe that they do..'

Okay read!
A somewhat average 1st book in the 'Tradie Lady' ongoing series. Wasn't too keen on their (Sam & Taylor) chemistry -- matter of fact never thought that there was any but enjoyed the supporting characters.

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderful; from the moment Sam met Taylor, their friendship seemed destined to be extraordinary. The way their relationship developed into a beautiful love story was a truly delightful read.

The humour in this book was quite enjoyable, and I found myself laughing frequently. I absolutely adored Taylor's puppy, Belle; she was adorable. I also enjoyed the supporting characters; Jess, she was a wonderful friend to Taylor during difficult times, always ready to offer guidance and support.

The book was truly exceptional, captivating me from beginning to end. It contained all the elements of a wonderful story and included a beautiful love story as well.

I absolutely recommend this book, and I'm looking forward to what comes next from Rian.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Sapphic Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so damn cute and had me wanting to live on a boat. Then I remembered how prone to seasickness I am and this will stick to a fictional fantasy😅 This book is sweet and steamy and the perfect low angst read! I loved the best friends and absolutely adored Sam and Taylor together.

Pub Date: March 14th, 2025

Thank you to the author for a copy of this eARC.

[Clara Addicted to sapphic books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the second book of the series first, so now I am going backward and realized Birch made an excellent debut in the sapphic fiction world. It’s a rather classic romance, but it’s effective, with easy to like characters that have backgrounds that give them depth, and it makes it easy to root for them. The boat scenes with the setting surrounding them felt so romantic. Sam identifies as straight at the beginning, but she very quickly realizes she is attracted to Taylor. What I liked is there was not big inner torture; she just accepted and went with it. Their relationship develops quickly, smoothly, and in a healthy way. And maybe that’s what I was searching for: more angst and obstacles. It was comfortable to read and really heartwarming. If you are in a low angst and sweet mood, this book is perfect.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swept Up In You by Rian Birch is a refreshing toaster-oven sapphic romance set on the beautiful Australian coast. I absolutely love the location and how their story revolves around boating and travel. Birch's descriptions are fantastic. The characters are likable and fun. One of the main characters is over 30. The other is not much younger. They are mature but have some room for growth and development on their journey. When Sam meets Taylor, she realizes that she doesn't know herself as well as she thought, but she and Taylor keep open communication and are supportive throughout, giving Sam space to accept herself. They both have a strong support system and a sense of self. Things move fairly quickly but feel organic and believable. Taylor and Sam are extremely adorable. They have amazing chemistry and some steamy moments. There is a nice epilogue to wrap things up. Also, there is a big, sweet, rowdy AmStaff pup. I love her! 
I was thrilled with this story. I really have no criticism. I love so much about it. It is comforting and hopeful. Taylor and Sam are living the dream! This is a good one to keep in your pocket for tougher days when you need a pick-me-up. Fantastic debut. Read it!
#toasteroven #comingout #mainover30 #Australia #boating #sailing #oceantravel #cutedog #HEA #supportivefamily #foundfamily #AmStaff #marina #beachread #paddleboard #sailboat #boatshop #debut #boatmaintenance #gamenights #epilogue
I received this free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Gio.reads.sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little dog, boats and game nights!! what more could you want? Hmm... maybe only one bed, an almost kiss scene and some witty banter, but wait they're all included. Moreover you can find a meet cute, queer awakening, toaster oven, slow burn, waring each other clothes, an heart worming HEA and last but not least some very spicy secnes (unfortunately a bit short but good nontheless)

TW: death parent (mum), mention of cancer, neglectoing parents

[Siddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Garner, with her father Matt, runs Garner Marine, a hardware and diesel supplier for all things boat and yacht, near Karkalla Beach on the coast of South Australia. She is slowly restoring her yacht Manny, with the dream of circumnavigating Australia in the future, but in reality not knowing if that will ever happen.
Taylor had an emotional split with her girlfriend a few months back, which she is still obsessing over. Now she wants some ‘Taylor Time’ - just her and her puppy Bella, and her roommate Alex and friends. She does maintenance on caravans, and more lately, boats and yachts. She never knew Garner Marine existed until she found it (and Sam) after a spill.
This is a lovely book, full of warmth. Sam didn’t know she liked women that way until she met Taylor, she just knew that she never really wanted men. But once she realises… it becomes so hot 🔥
I really like the fact that these women talk, that they don’t hide amongst miscommunications and half truths. I read book two in this series first, and now reading the author’s first ever book, I think it is exceptionally good - in some ways I prefer it to book two, although both are good.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I wasn’t swept along by the romance, I enjoyed the book.

[Lyn Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slice of life that goes from happy to angsty as we hope our MCs find their way home to a HEA. The characters were authentic, as was the dialogue, as they followed their dreams.

[queer_aussie_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rian Birch is a new sapphic author from Australia, and I couldn’t be more excited about her debut novel, Swept Up in You. Sometimes, Aussie authors like to exaggerate the ocker-ness (can I make up words here?), which can be fun, but it’s lovely to read a story a little more relatable.

Sam adores her small seaside town, her dad, and her customers, but deep down, she knows she can’t stay there forever. Sailing her yacht around Australia is a dream she worries may never come true.

When Taylor stumbles into Sam’s shop, she isn’t expecting her entire life to change. But after meeting Sam, she is caught in a whirlwind of feelings – falling for a straight girl after a messy break up is never going to be a good idea, but the chemistry is real, and walking away is too hard.

Sam and Taylor’s relationship thrives, but when Sam’s hand is forced, they are both faced with making decisions that will alter the course of their lives.

There are so many reasons to adore Swept Up in You. From Sam and Taylor, who are really cute as they get to know one another, with some really awkward and funny texts and sweet touches to the classic Aussie language of ‘chippies’ and using the word ‘tic’ in relation to time. And of course there is Belle, the paddle boarding English staffy.

Make sure you check out this romance to see why Rian Birch will be an author to watch in the coming years.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Sam and Taylor are absolutely adorable and I love the friends to lovers that takes place! Swoonworthy romance, low angst, and the most adorable furry friend Belle! I highly highly recommend, you won’t regret it!

[bex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosy & sweet! I didn’t really find it that funny for a rom-com, it wasn’t laugh out loud, but it was lighthearted and entertaining. I did find myself somewhat attached to the characters and hoping for the lovely HEA ⛵️⚓️

[Micca B aka gigglybookgeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rian does a fantastic job in Swept Up In You of making you laugh until there are happy tears, moments your heart will hurt, a the spice is just right. This is a fun sapphic read, and I really hope you've watched Zoolander before to get my favorite line in the book. No spoilers, so l won't share it here.

Sam and her dad are just the sweetest. You are going to adore them. Their shop isn't just a place to get things. It feels like community was built with it. Then Taylor stumbles in for the first time, and what a first impression that is! You will get to know Sam and Taylor well, and you get a sense of who they are. It was fun getting to know them, their friends, and family.

Oh, and you get precious pup content!

You will meet so many other characters that you are also going to love, like I mentioned above. I am going to have to schedule a game night ASAP and look up some of these games to see if they are real or not. I already want a second book and get to know them more. It also almost has me wanting a SUP board. Almost. You will also end up hungry, so make sure you have a snack (that won't be nearly as good as the food you read about).

I don't want to give too much away, so it's hard to gush over my favorite parts. There are a few open door, detailed spice scenes that are great! It's not the over all theme of the book or take over the plot. I will say that I felt the emotions of the characters having gone through similar situations they did. Even without having gone through that, I think you will identify with them, and some of the situations they get themselves in, as well. You are definitely going to laugh! So, put on those life vests and dive in. You will not regret it.

Thank you to Rian for letting me be a part of the Beta team, give honest feedback, and an honest review. It was an honor and so much fun.

[Susannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

So boring I couldn’t even get through to the romance

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - sapphic, contemporary, toaster-oven, mc-has-dog. Pretty decent, but fell a bit flat for me. This was a very low angst, cozy beach read, but I felt like the plot and side characters ended up being a bit forgettable in the end. I do think the coastal setting was well done, I just wish more happened or we got to see more boating.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness if Swept Up In You by Rian Birch isn’t a lesson in hard conversations, then I’m not sure what it is. This book was so beautifully written from cover to cover.

The love story is so honest, relatable and as much as it’s about Sam and Taylor, it’s also about the love stories between family and friends. It’s a story about support systems and how those people, when faced with truly powerful life changing moments, are the ones who will help you weather the storms and sail the rough seas (pun so very intended).

“It’s the second arrow that hurts the most.” This quote was tossed to Sam by Taylor early in the book as advice on hard conversations with loved ones. I hadn’t heard this before so I looked it up and goodness did it hit. But what I hadn’t expected was for it to play a role in their relationship later in the story - struck my heart with that arrow! Sheesh!

Sam and Taylor’s love story was a true rollercoaster, but it was built on persistence, risk, trust and finding safety in someone rather than something/somewhere. It warmed me through and through watching everything unfold and seeing how well they communicated through everything, even if not at first go around. Shall we all take notes?!

Seeing growth in characters between chapters and between covers is what it’s all about - Sam and Taylor both change so much in Swept Up In You. It was inspiring to see them push through hard situations, plagues of their past and work together for a better life they’d both always dreamt of. I was rooting for them page after page!

Now we must acknowledge the spice because it was burning up in this book! I loved the slow burn and the constant questioning of whether someone was flirting or not - because yes that was flirting! The hand touching at game night?! I swoon. Taylor was a true gentlewoman with Sam as she learned and experienced so many firsts coming into her queerness and that was so genuinely beautiful. I swoon, again. It won’t stop!

While this book had so so so many emotions woven into its pages, I did find so many moments huffing out a laugh to myself! The friends were true comedic relief for the main characters! Jess was that dry humor that set Taylor straight, while Marie was always up for a bantering tango with Sam!

A story with a dog will always be on my TBR and Belle, the best staffy pup in all the sapphic novel lands, was just too great! We love some lesbian dog mums and I found myself relating all too much to Taylor!

Sam’s relationship with her father left a lump in my throat, but not a bad one! As a husband who lost his wife so early in life, he had a lot on his plate to raise Sam and every scene he was in I wanted to just wrap in a hug and tell him he did so well! Finding the brightest star in the sky as Carol, Sam’s late mother really had me tearing up by the end of the book.

The layers that author Rian Birch folds into this story are truly incredible and I can’t say enough about it all, but I’ll refrain so that you actually have something to read! While Swept Up In You touches on a lot of heavy topics, it’s written with such air and lightness that it’s not burdensome to read by any means and I truly love that. I adore a deep story that will reel me in without bogging me down. As per usual, I tip my hat to author Rian Birch on a truly incredible book.


Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Sterling Sapphic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, let’s talk about how ridiculously cute this book is because I’m still smiling like a fool. Swept Up in You is one of those sapphic rom-coms that just makes your heart do that happy fluttery thing — equal parts sweet, funny, and just a touch spicy.

We’ve got Samantha Garner, who’s basically living my dream life minus the whole “family business holding her hostage” situation. She’s stuck running her family’s boat shop but secretly dreaming of sailing away into something new. And then there’s Taylor Scott — practical, independent, totally over her ex, and absolutely not looking for love… until she quite literally sails right into it.

Their meet-cute? Adorable. Their banter? Sharp and full of chemistry. Their game nights? Pure serotonin. There’s just so much heart here, from the flirty moments to the quiet ones where both women start realizing maybe, just maybe, this could be something real.

Also, can we talk about Belle? Taylor’s puppy is a scene-stealer. Like, every time she showed up, I was instantly grinning. And Jess — what a fantastic best friend. She’s exactly the kind of person you want in your corner: supportive, a little sassy, and always there with a pep talk.

Now, the audiobook narration? Absolutely stellar. This was my first time listening to Nina Nikolic, and I adored her performance. She gives both Sam and Taylor so much personality, and that Australian accent? I could listen to it all day. It fits the setting beautifully — coastal charm with just the right amount of warmth.

The story itself feels like a soft sapphic seabreeze — light-hearted and cozy with a splash of emotional depth. The queer awakening aspect is handled so gently, and the spice level is just right for this book: sweet and saucy without ever feeling forced.

By the end, I honestly wanted to pack up my life, adopt a dog, and live on a boat somewhere near Taylor and Sam. If you’re in the mood for something that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and crave puppy cuddles, this one’s a total win.

[Fiona Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say other than this is a stellar debut book from a brand new Aussie author. I absolutely loved meeting Sam and Taylor. In many ways, this book reminded me of some of the first Gerri Hill books I read when I first came out back in 2006 and I loved reading a story set in South Australia.

Swept Up In You tells the story of Sam Garner who works in her father's boat shop while doing up her own boat and dreaming of sailing off into the sunset.....if only she could find a way to admit to her Dad that she no longer wants to take over the running of the business when he retires. However, her life is given a jolt when Taylor Scott comes barrelling into the store with coffee down the front of her shirt looking for a bathroom to get herself cleaned up. This meeting between the two MC's is just the start of what becomes a beautiful friendship as they continue bumping into each other over the next few days.

Taylor is definitely not looking for a relationship following the recent disastrous end to her previous relationship and Sam has never even considered that she might be attracted to women. However, there is an instant connection between the two women and their friendship quickly blooms. What follows is a humorous journey full of witty banter, a gorgeous puppy and all the beautiful emotions that could possibly be squeezed into a low-angst story.

Definitely a 5 star-read for me and one I would definitely recommend to anyone in search of a gorgeous romance and being swept up in the coastal life in southern Australia.

I am grateful to the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[S. Shybrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Maybe it’s the wildness of the ocean? That uncontrolled unknown that is so vast, and makes you feel so small, it reminds you that you’re this tiny human at its complete and utter grace.”

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐.75 / 5 (rounded up)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5

This was the sweetest, coziest read. Sam and Taylor are both easy to love and root for, with very human concerns and flaws. They’re surrounded by largely idyllic characters who support and love them, contributing to a very sweet and lovely little beach community where this story is set.

Swept Up in You felt like a warm hug. It was a gentle meander down a lovely street, with very low angst and lots of cute, humorous moments (there’s a laugh out loud moment right after that deep quote above). I related very much to the humor because it was a little silly, a bit irreverent, and mildly immature…all of which can describe the humor in my own relationship. It all felt so human and relatable in the best way.

I’ll absolutely be picking up the next book in Birch’s Lady Tradies series when the mood for something fluffy and sweet strikes.

The story is a slow burn, but it also lingers in the HEA. For those who like to see them living their happiness for a bit, this delivers!

📚Fast facts📚
✨ Found family
✨ Awakening
✨ Slow burn
✨ Open door spice
✨ Sweet little fur baby
✨ LGBTQIA+
✨ First in a series of standalones
✨ Contemporary FF
✨ Third person, dual POV, past tense

I am SO grateful to the author to have received an ARC of this story! This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Mari Menne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the new novel, Swept Up in You, by Rian Birch, and let me tell you, when it's set in Australia and one of the MCs is a tradie – I'm sold!

We follow Sam, who's definitely straight, as she meets Taylor the tradie who comes into Sam's shop one day, shirt dripping with coffee. This meet cute is the start of a friendship that eventually turns into something more, and I loved following them on this journey of personal growth and discovery. With an MC that goes through a sapphic awakening, complete with tentative touches and banter that borders on flirting, this novel had me giggling through some of the chapters (and fanning myself through others).

In addition to the MCs, we meet some great side characters throughout the story. Sam's dad Matt, friends of both Sam and Taylor, as well as Belle, Taylor's adorable English Staff, who's just a bundle of joy (and a dolphin whisperer)!🐬

Swept Up in You is a low angst rom-com, a perfect read for when you want to day dream about Australia, sailing, paddleboarding and a tradie lady🤤

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great beach read: sweet f/f romance
This was in more than one sense a great beach read for me: a sweet, low-angst romance with witty banter, set at the sea right at the marina with boats, romantic boat dinners and paddleboarding. Add to that a supercute doggo and I was in heartmelting, fluff-heaven. Just what the doctor ordered in challenging times.
32 yr old Samantha is caught up in her family business and renovating her boat. She lost sight of her dream to sail around Australia. Enter Taylor who just left a toxic relationship behind her and looks forward to Taylor Time. Their paths collide and a slow dance with lots of chemistry and a good pinch of spice starts. The doggo, the setting at the marina, the family of found friends add all to the warmth emanating in spades from this book.
The pace of writing is very laid back and fitting to the slow unfurling of feelings and of Sam and Taylor‘s dreams. I loved the Australian setting and language.
This debut is a very enjoyable f/f romance with a lot of warm feels.

I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.

[ASapphicLitReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good debut! I really enjoyed the story and the characters. This book had good vibes and a very relaxed feel. It gave me the feeling of chilling on the beach.

I really liked Taylor and Sam. They were both sweet characters that make you feel like you’d want to be friends if you met them in real life. All of the characters seemed this way. Like real people that you know and like. And don’t even get me started on Belle who is the cutest pup in the world!

I also really enjoyed the setting of this book. The small seaside town was the perfect place for Sam and Taylor to fall in love. It added a bit of an idyllic background to their story.

I like this book a lot! It was a really goof debut from Rian Birch and I’m looking forward to the second book in the series. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a small town, toaster oven romance. Thanks so much to Rian Birch for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Anna Demosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

i loved this omg loved the australian accents and lingo and i love a lesbian awakening so much. the town was so sweet and the found family !! i love a small town and close friends so this was right there with it. i know absolutely nothing about boats and being on the water or literally anything about that realm of life but this was not confusing at all so that was nice. i didn’t lovvveee the way taylor left when sam tried to talk to her, it felt very childish like something a teen would do, BUT im so gad she owned up to her mistakes and admitted that she fucked up. sam coming out to her dad was SO. SWEET. the way he was like okay we should have dinner together😭 j wish it was that way for everyone coming out!
also, special mention for belle, dogs are a must in a book🤷🏻‍♀️
overall loved this and will be diving right in to the next one tomorrow (see what i did there? he he)

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha Garner meets Taylor at the boat shop, where she's helps Taylor with a spilled coffee mess. Taylor pops up a few more times, leaving Sam somewhat bemused.

Taylor is actually struggling with heartbreak, as she had been dumped a few weeks ago. Staying with her best friend she's freelancing car and boat repair, and ends up being hired to fix the wiring in Sam's boat.

Sam is a bit awkward when Taylor comes out to her, but they become friends. AND Sam starts realizing she's attracted to Taylor, despite thinking of herself as straight.

The developing relationship feels very organic, and both are quite likable. The friend group is also very entertaining too.

(There's a paragraph with two characters dialog in it on page 217)

Third act breakup, but not the worst I've seen.

[Amanda Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Rian Birch for giving me the opportunity to read Swept Up In You. I LOVED this story. It is definitely one of my favorites so far this year. The story follows Sam, a small town girl who works for her dad at his marina shop who dreams of big adventures on her yacht and Taylor a wayward jill of all trades who was recently dumped by her long term girlfriend. The book takes place in a small coastal town in Australia. The story was great, the writing was great, and I really felt drawn to the characters. If you're looking for a fun read set in Australia, read this book! I definitely recommend it! 5 stars, in my opinion.

[Haley Bungay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't say I was "swept up" in this book but I did enjoy reading it. It was a slow, low angst book with decent characters and an okay story. It's not a book that I would be gushing over but I didn't not like it either.

Sam has been working on her boat Manny for a while now with a dream of setting sail on a big adventure all by herself. Taylor is the best "odd jobs" person there is and when she crosses paths with Sam they form a quick friendship that eventually leads to more.

If you're looking for a soft, low-angst, cutesy rom-com this is it. If you're looking for something with a lot of substance and a big love story...this isn't it.

[Hope Freed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an accomplished debut. A decently written sapphic romance set in Australia with nice characters and good, supportive family and friends around. Having recently read a couple of books where there’s been insta-love, I appreciated the way Sam and Taylor’s relationship evolved in a realistic way. Not super slow-burn but enough time taken to make you care for the characters and want them to find their HEA. Add in minimal angst and some well-done sexiness and it was all rather lovely. I suspect I’ll be back for the sequel (which appears to feature Taylor’s roommate Jess) in due course…

[Monna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! Sam and Taylor strike up a friendship at Sam's father's boat shop. Their relationship simmers for a while then boils over. They both have an interesting friend group for support, and that's needed eventually. You gotta have some angst, right? Eventually they sail off into the sunset with Belle, Taylor's dog. You'll love Taylor's big apology -- it's unique and totally awesome. Five stars for sure!

[Eileen Feleppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great down to earth novel!

A balanced mixture of clever banter, emotional reflection and a great example of following your gut instinct and most importantly your heart ♥️

It makes you feel like you’re personally Sam and Taylor’s friend and can easily relate to their peaks and valleys both in their personal lives and relationship + be prepared to fall in love with Belle, a cute dog paddle boarding is always a win!

Definitely worth a read, paired with a nice cuppa!

[KateJoanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sapphic rom-com, the characters were loveable and it’s a fun and light hearted read. Absolutely loved Belle the Staffy as well!

This was a little slow and simple for my taste but nicely written with fun, quick prose.
It’s a dual pov, sapphic awakening, wholesome and HEA, also pretty cheesy.

It does have a bit of a third act break up which I’m not a fan of, but the resolution is cute and the ending lovely, it’s a sweet and recommendable romance read